Alipay’s Tap! contactless payment service now processes more than 100 million daily transactions, underlining the fast-growing embrace of tap-to-pay and QR-based solutions in China and across Asia.
In a significant milestone for mobile payments, Alipay has announced that its Alipay Tap! solution’s processing volume is now exceeding 100 million daily transactions, highlighting how quickly consumers are adopting simplified tap-based payment experiences in China. The achievement reflects broader regional trends in the Asia-Pacific, where QR and contactless payments are increasingly mainstream.
Introduced in July 2024, Alipay Tap! merges traditional QR code payments with near-field communication (NFC) technology to streamline checkout. Users simply unlock their phone and tap it against a merchant terminal or Tap! tag. No app launch, QR scanning, or extra steps are required. This payment method provides a frictionless alternative to conventional payment types.
Since launch, Alipay reports that more than 200 million people in China have used the service (about 14% of the total population), with 100 million new users added in just four months, underscoring rapid public uptake across various age groups and accessibility needs. Younger consumers, older adults, and users with visual impairments have been among the most enthusiastic adopters. Tap payments allow visually impaired users to pay independently, being simpler, more tactile, compatible with voice assistant functions, and less error-prone than some other payment methods.
The service also supports international visitors who can link overseas debit or credit cards and pay like a local while traveling in China. Between October 1-5, 2025, Alipay recorded a 500% increase in payments by international travelers using Alipay Tap!. Besides, it is a nice way for Chinese tourists to pay abroad without extra friction as well.
Beyond simple checkout, Alipay Tap! connects users to a growing ecosystem of over 2,200 everyday services, including restaurant ordering, shared-bike access, parcel pickup, and instant tax refunds. Alipay is extending Tap! beyond smartphones through collaborations with wearable companies such as Xiaomi, Rokid, and RayNeo, offering hands-free payment via AI smart glasses and voice commands.
At present, China remains a global leader in mobile and QR payments, with more than 84 % of consumers using mobile wallets for everyday transactions and QR codes accounting for a dominant share of payment activity. QR code acceptance at retail outlets in China now exceeds 90 %, making the method one of the most integrated payment technologies worldwide.
Across the wider Asia-Pacific region, QR code payment adoption continues to outpace other markets, contributing to over 60% of global QR transaction volume and reinforcing the region’s role as a powerhouse in contactless, mobile-centric payments.
